Find a Lawyer in San Diego

Personal injury: Contingency fee — 25-33% pre-litigation, 33-40% if it goes to trial. You pay nothing upfront.

Family law: $300–$500/hour in San Diego (higher downtown, lower in East County). Uncontested divorce can cost $1,500–$3,500 flat fee.

Criminal defense: Misdemeanor DUI: $2,500–$7,500. Felony charges: $5,000–$25,000+. Public defenders are free if you qualify.

Immigration: $1,500–$3,000 for family petitions. Removal defense: $5,000–$15,000. Asylum: $3,000–$10,000.

Free options: LASSD (income-qualified), SDVLP (pro bono), SD Bar free referral (30 min).

Military presence: Naval Base San Diego, Camp Pendleton, and MCAS Miramar create high demand for SCRA housing protections, military divorce, and deployment-related custody disputes. JAG offices provide free legal help to active duty.

U.S.-Mexico border: The San Ysidro port of entry is the busiest land border crossing in the Western Hemisphere. This drives immigration, customs seizure, and cross-border business litigation that's rare elsewhere in California.

Tourism injuries: 35M+ annual visitors means frequent PI claims at beaches (La Jolla, Pacific Beach), the Zoo, SeaWorld, Balboa Park, and the Gaslamp Quarter. Hotel/Airbnb liability cases are common.

Housing market: Median rent ~$2,600/mo drives high-volume landlord-tenant disputes. The City of San Diego's TRAO adds local rent control on top of state AB 1482 protections.

Tech + biotech corridor: Sorrento Valley, UTC, and downtown biotech companies generate trade secret, non-compete, and employment disputes.

Handle it yourself (DIY):
• Small claims under $12,500 — file at Hall of Justice for $30–$75
• Security deposit disputes — generate a demand letter free
• Simple consumer refund demands
• Traffic tickets at Kearny Mesa Traffic Court
• Basic contract disputes with clear written agreements

Hire a lawyer:
• Any injury with medical bills over $5,000
• Criminal charges (even misdemeanors can have immigration consequences in SD)
• Custody disputes, especially with military deployment issues
• Immigration matters — too complex for DIY, and mistakes can lead to deportation
• Employment discrimination or wrongful termination
• Any case involving more than $25,000

Not sure? Take our free assessment.

Step 1: Use the San Diego County Bar Association Lawyer Referral — free 30-minute consultation with a screened attorney in your practice area.

Step 2: Verify their license is active on the California State Bar website. Check for disciplinary history.

Step 3: Read reviews on Google, Avvo, and Yelp. San Diego attorneys are well-reviewed on all three platforms.

Step 4: Interview 2-3 attorneys before deciding. Ask about: experience with your specific issue, fee structure (hourly vs. contingency vs. flat), estimated timeline, and communication style.

For low-income residents: Contact Legal Aid Society of San Diego (877-534-2524) or SD Volunteer Lawyer Program for free representation if you qualify.

Yes — two layers of protection:

1. City of San Diego TRAO (Tenant Protection Ordinance): Limits rent increases and requires just cause for eviction for tenants who've lived in a unit for 2+ years. Applies within city limits only.

2. California AB 1482 (statewide): Caps annual rent increases at 5% + local CPI (max 10% total) for buildings 15+ years old. Requires just cause for eviction after 12 months of tenancy.

Exemptions: Single-family homes (if owner gives written notice), buildings less than 15 years old, most condos, and units in unincorporated San Diego County (state law only).

If your landlord raised rent more than allowed, generate a demand letter or contact LASSD.

Your courthouse depends on your region and case type:

Central SD, La Jolla, PB, Point Loma: Hall of Justice (330 W Broadway) for civil/family/probate. Central Courthouse (1100 Union St) for criminal.

North County (Oceanside, Vista, Carlsbad, Escondido): North County Courthouse, 325 S Melrose Dr, Vista — handles all case types.

South Bay (Chula Vista, National City, Imperial Beach): South County Courthouse, 500 Third Ave, Chula Vista — handles all case types.

East County (El Cajon, Santee, La Mesa, Alpine): East County Courthouse, 250 E Main St, El Cajon — handles all case types.

Traffic tickets: Kearny Mesa Traffic Court, 8950 Clairemont Mesa Blvd — also handles some small claims.

E-filing is available for most civil cases at sdcourt.ca.gov/efiling.